Recently Jessie and I have been working together again as part of the Dreamtime Fellrunner project, creating photography which informs and inspires the work as well as producing images which interpret and support my writing. If you think this process doesn’t sound as testing as a fell race or a tricky climb then you’d be wrong. Starting out at 4.30 am to catch the beautiful morning light on Blencathra after spending the evening before being immersed in cold water while holding a specific flower-bedecked pose. I wouldn’t say this has been a soft week! And having conversations which interrogate me in a way that I come away feeling not only that I have grown in myself, but that my ways of seeing and being in the fells have expanded, and my connection to the earth which my feet run over and the rocks my hands move over is strengthened.
I have come to understand that creativity and sport are both expressions of the same impulses and motives. I am curious to find out how my ways of seeing and being continue to develop through using creative media to explore outdoor sports. The journey continues, map-less. This writer’s life is not lonely. I am beyond grateful to work with everyone who has been involved in the Dreamtime Fellrunner, especially the people at Theatre by The Lake Keswick and my director Dan Bye (who is also a fellrunner). Yet none of this would have happened if Jessie had not inspired me and worked with me to make our film three years ago. Having now finished the research and development phase of the Dreamtime Fellrunner and performed the show in public, supported by Wordsworth Grasmere, I will be applying for further funding to finalise a touring show for 2024 opening in Keswick at Theatre By The Lake. The chances of securing the funding for this are greatly strengthened by having diverse sources and I am keen to hear from any potential sponsors.
Words: Jules Carter Photos: Jessie Leong
For more of Julie’s writing and her monthly blog see
www.mindfell.co.uk. Here you will also find details of her new book ‘Makin A Mackem – the journey of running into my skin’ to be published in October 23 and events such as workshops on combining creative writing and fellrunning.
SUMMIT#111 | AUTUMN 2023 | 21
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